Yoga Retreat in Mexico

Jen Lasher Breen

I grew up in Seattle in a hippy, creative, curious, outdoor-loving family. During my teenage years my mother would walk around the house in aerobic clothes and drag me to a funky yoga class in a gym. Little did I know that this would become my life’s work and passion. I began studying yoga formally with Cintra Brown in Phoenix, AZ while teaching elementary school with Teach For America. 

I appreciate how yoga helps me be more authentic, compassionate and aware. I use yoga to help me understand myself better which helps me understand others better. I appreciate that it’s a practice for life. My practice has given me tools to help me in life most especially as a wife and mother and a steward of this beautiful earth. 

My inspirations and influences along the way are: my mom who values humility and who is quoted to say, “you aren’t as important as you think you are.” My dad who imparted wisdom through modeling a good life of balance and harmony and following your bliss. My sisters Kim and Heidi who are my best friends, advisors and truth tellers. My husband Tom who practices a yoga called “sense of humor” and my four little yet mighty teachers; Grace Cal Johnny and Kate. My yoga teachers; Cintra Brown who taught me the power of mantra and seeing students, Sharon Land who taught me about Daimon and finding one’s unique inner gift. Bikram for the power of asana, heat, discipline and sequencing. Erich Schiffmann for the power of meditation, listening, riding the edge and free form yoga. Katerina Wen for her devotion to the multi-dimensionality of yoga and her brave, authentic approach to teaching with depth and courage. Catherine Shainberg for my yearly tune ups in the potential of imagery to powerfully transform habits.  Newest teacher of mine; Nevine Michaan of Katonah Yoga…an original and diverse teacher.  And, lastly Mother Nature  — the forest, the sea, the mountains and most of all the moss. 

I am excited right now teaching a well rounded yoga class that anybody can participate in and that feels practical and mystical. I think that is why my muse is moss. It’s original, generous, primal, simple, grounded, soft and vibrant. I am excited to teach classes where I am the guide on the side not the sage on the stage so that students learn to trust their own inner teacher. I find that I teach from an Astanga or a Bikram template and then leave space for free form yoga or creative flow. Mostly I am excited about a daily yoga practice that includes pranayama, movement, relaxation, meditation all in good community and friendship.

Kristy Tonti

I grew up in a giant Italian-Irish family with lots of drama and lots of love. My Italian grandpa gave me paintbrushes and oil paint, and took me on long walks down to the Back Bay, an estuary, in Newport Beach. There we painted together. I was seven. My parents continued to support my art with oil painting classes every Saturday. When Dad picked me up, the backseat of his car was lined with newspapers. I seemed to get as much paint on myself as I did on the canvas.

Then things got crazy for a while — my mom was very sick. That’s how we, my sibs and I, ended up with a full-time babysitter and living with Dad. Susie introduced us to rock ‘n’ roll, passive resistance and meditation. Dad introduced us to running, and I remember reading The Prophet together.

In High School I went everywhere barefoot, horseback riding on the beach and enjoying a lot of freedom. I feel lucky to have grown up in California during the seventies. With Jerry Brown as governor and state-mandated alternative education, I made it through high school and on to college. I had wonderful teachers and knew I would keep teaching in alternative schools.

Yoga Asana practice came later for me. I used to run and hike because I loved the physical discipline, the silence and the solitude. It became a moving meditation for me. Then I found Astanga Yoga. I became interested in Buddhist philosophy and traveled to the Himalayas with my daughters, Elizabeth and Mindy.

What inspires you?

On a good day, everything. Mostly, I would have to say it’s the light. Then there’s color and people and books.

My heroes are Elizabeth and Mindy and the Dali Lama. I have been blessed to be in his presence four times!

What Influences your yoga?

Daily practice. Today my practice is as eclectic as my early education.

Study. I’m usually reading at least four books: fiction, philosophy, and history. I draw the bones and peruse anatomy books – Leonardo is my inspiration. I read a lot and take notes.

What gives you joy?

I love people and witnessing them change. I enjoy watching all things grow, whether it’s a Japanese eggplant in the garden or a person on the mat. Our garden inspires me and nourishes me on many levels. I find the joy in the “good work ” of gardening, daily asana, drawing and teaching.

My family gives me joy. My family of origin is incredibly inclusive. Now when I think of family I include my island family and my family in India and California, even the family I have known in the past. I yearn for peace with all people in my life. Love is the most important thing.

I love kids; they remind me how to have fun. They are so present. I have fun when I am present, walking in the forest, swimming, being with kids.

Joy is not being “in my head”, but being in my whole body and heart, wherever I happen to be.